The short answer: Yes, scoliosis can and will get worse with age. The reason for this is that the condition is progressive, meaning it tends to worsen over time. Additionally, the spine continues to grow and change as we age, which can cause the curvature to become more pronounced.
Older adults are more likely to experience degenerative changes in the spine, such as osteoarthritis, which can also contribute to the worsening of scoliosis. Treatment for scoliosis is important at any age, but it is especially critical to prevent further progression in older adults.
What is scoliosis ?
Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves to the side. This can result in the appearance of a “C” or “S” shaped curve when looking at the person from behind. Scoliosis usually develops during childhood or adolescence, but it can also occur later in life. It affects both sexes equally and is more common in girls than boys.
What causes scoliosis?
The cause of scoliosis has thought to be unknown in most cases. However, we at ScoliSMART have seen it is related to genetic variances. There are also some known risk factors, such as: family history and neuromuscular conditions. In some cases, scoliosis may be caused by an injury or trauma to the spine.
What are the symptoms of scoliosis?
The most common symptom of scoliosis is a visible curvature of the spine. However, there may be no other symptoms associated with the condition. In some cases, scoliosis can cause pain or difficulty with mobility. Additionally, scoliosis may lead to problems with heart or lung function if the curvature is severe.
How is scoliosis diagnosed?
Scoliosis is typically diagnosed by a physical examination. Your doctor will look for a curvature of the spine and may also order X-rays or other imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, a CT scan or MRI.
Get a risk assessment test (genetic variance testing) and a neurotransmitter test for your child. This helps predict the probability of progression.
If scoliosis is progressive, why not wait and watch until I stop growing?
It is precisely because it is a progressive condition that you should not wait and watch, ever, and especially wait and watch (i.e., do nothing and see it get worse) as you grow or until you stop growing.
Proactive treatment for scoliosis is important at any age but it becomes even more critical when trying to prevent further progression in children. Yes, scoliosis is a progressive condition. This means it will worsen over time and with age. And, if you are a growing adolescent, the spine continues to grow and change, and with it, so does the curvature of your spine or your scoliosis.
And, do you know what all large curves have in common? They ALL started off small! Given that scoliosis is progressive, time is of the essence. Waiting is not a real option. Any ScoliSMART Doctor will tell you that smaller curves are less complex to manage -The nature, timing, and extent of work evidences this.
For example: curves under 30 degrees undergo a 5 day ScoliSMART program, the trusted and unrivaled non-invasive exercise-based treatment for stopping scoliosis progression and reducing the curve.
At ScoliSMART, we offer a Scoliosis BootCamp for children, young adults, and older adults who want to take proactive steps to prevent the progression of their scoliosis and literally stay ahead of the curve. The ScoliSMART bootcamp includes a series of exercises and stretches specifically designed to strengthen the muscles and bones surrounding the spine. We are also using these exercises to change how the brain communicates with the muscles of the spine. We are creating new muscle memory.
ScoliSMART™ BootCamp is the leading non-invasive scoliosis treatment program in North America. BootCamp’s are run year-round at our four dedicated ScoliSMART Clinics in North America from New York to California – (NYC, NY, Lancaster, PA; White Cloud MI, Orange County, CA) At ScoliSMART™ Bootcamp, we specialize in treating scoliosis in children, adolescents, and young adults.
Our patented scoliosis bootcamp exercises together with our patented custom torso trainer apparatus are designed to halt the progression of the condition, reduce your curve, and stabilize the spine long-term.
You leave ScoliSMART’s 5 or 10 day Scoliosis Bootcamp’s not only seeing the difference but also feeling the difference. Walk out taller, straighter, and in control of your scoliosis, with tools, that served you during your bootcamp, to support you at home to help stabilize your spine. Preventing further progression, whether you are a child, teen, or young adult, is a game-changer.
Be proactive. Own your health. Develop positive life-style habits that serve you. Because, you got scoliosis, it does not have you. Own it. Your older self will thank you.
If you or someone you love has scoliosis, don’t wait to get treatment. ScoliSMART™ Bootcamp is the leading scoliosis treatment program in North America, and our scoliosis-specific exercises are designed to halt the progression of the condition and improve quality of life. Contact us today to learn more about our program and how we can help you or your loved one achieve a better quality of life. Thank you for reading! We hope this article was informative and helpful. Please feel free to share it with others who may benefit from it.
